Published: Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 07:34 PM.

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A nasty nip in the air didn’t stop a Gastonia tradition from continuing for the 27th consecutive year Sunday. Despite temperatures that dipped into the high 30s, and a noticeable wind chill, dozens of fans of two-wheeled transportation came together once again to take part in the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride. They congregated under a welcome sunny sky at the Erwin Community Center in west Gastonia at 1 p.m., before riding through the city on the way to Eastridge Mall.

Each rider was asked to bring one new, unwrapped toy, but most brought many more than that. As usual, they handed over their gifts to Salvation Army officials at the end of the run. Motorcycle enthusiast Gerald Tate put the ride together in 1986 and continues to organize it annually. He said it not only helps underprivileged children to have a good Christmas, but provokes positive feelings and values among the men and women who participate.Here’s a glimpse at some of the unofficial standouts at Sunday’s installment:

Best Santa costume: As usual, a handful of riders donned Santa suits for the ride, and one of them was Marvin Elmore of Mount Holly. It was his first time participating in the run, after years of wanting to do it. Elmore’s classic red suit and hat, with a big black belt and boots, was complemented by his facial hair. He began growing his full white beard and moustache a year ago. “I generally grow it out in the wintertime because I work outside,” he said. It’s done got so white on me, it works out good for this too.” Elmore’s Honda Gold Wing carried a Lego set and a pair of baby dolls. He said it felt good to help out. “I’ve already enjoyed it, just getting to see all the bikes and stuff,” he said beforehand. “You can watch them go by, but it’s even more fun to go by with them.”

Best seasonal motorcycle accessory: John Warner of Gastonia rides a 2007 Harley-Davidson Electra Classic that looks good enough on its own. But he added some Christmas flair again Sunday by outfitting it with a big pair of plush antlers, turning his ride into a reindeer on wheels. “I use the antlers every year, in al l the toy runs,” he said. Warner has ridden in the Toys for Tots ride since he started riding seven or eight years ago. He brought a load of six toys and said doing it’s a no-brainer, even in chilly weather, he said. “It’s all for the youngins,” he said. “It don’t matter how cold it is. At least it ain’t raining. That’s the nice thing.”

Most unique helmet: Helmets are worn for safety. But that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Larry Star, 60, of Albemarle turned his into a shell of expression, covering the outside with stickers that peddled a variety of messages. They broadcasted sayings of all kinds, from “No smoking” to “Slippery when wet.” They allowed Star to let people know “I’m a real life fantasy” and “I love being me,” and that “If you remember the 60s and 70s, you weren’t there.” Star, a retired Charlotte firefighter, manned a 1995 Honda Gold Wing and has been riding motorcycles 30 years. He’s a father of four, with four grandchildren and twin grandbabies on the way. “I normally try to make it rain, sleet, snow, hail, whatever,” he said of participating in the toy run.

Most outlandish motorcycle: There were plenty of traditional cruising bikes and speed bikes on the scene Saturday. But the two most colorful and eye-catching belonged to Derek Jackson of Clover, S.C., and Jimmy Scruggs of Gastonia. The friends used full-body kits to turn their Harley-Davidsons into custom “street glide” bikes, with bright, candy-colored paint schemes and 30-inch front wheels featuring sparkling chrome rims. Scruggs’ ride was magenta, while Jackson’s was a unique blend of blue and purple. “We both get a lot of looks,” Jackson said. “They ride good.” Jackson said it was his first time doing the toy run. “Just trying to do a good deed,” he said.

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or twitter.com/GazetteMike.

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A nasty nip in the air didn’t stop a Gastonia tradition from continuing for the 27th consecutive year Sunday. Despite temperatures that dipped into the high 30s, and a noticeable wind chill, dozens of fans of two-wheeled transportation came together once again to take part in the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride. They congregated under a welcome sunny sky at the Erwin Community Center in west Gastonia at 1 p.m., before riding through the city on the way to Eastridge Mall.

Each rider was asked to bring one new, unwrapped toy, but most brought many more than that. As usual, they handed over their gifts to Salvation Army officials at the end of the run. Motorcycle enthusiast Gerald Tate put the ride together in 1986 and continues to organize it annually. He said it not only helps underprivileged children to have a good Christmas, but provokes positive feelings and values among the men and women who participate.Here’s a glimpse at some of the unofficial standouts at Sunday’s installment:

Best Santa costume: As usual, a handful of riders donned Santa suits for the ride, and one of them was Marvin Elmore of Mount Holly. It was his first time participating in the run, after years of wanting to do it. Elmore’s classic red suit and hat, with a big black belt and boots, was complemented by his facial hair. He began growing his full white beard and moustache a year ago. “I generally grow it out in the wintertime because I work outside,” he said. It’s done got so white on me, it works out good for this too.” Elmore’s Honda Gold Wing carried a Lego set and a pair of baby dolls. He said it felt good to help out. “I’ve already enjoyed it, just getting to see all the bikes and stuff,” he said beforehand. “You can watch them go by, but it’s even more fun to go by with them.”

Best seasonal motorcycle accessory: John Warner of Gastonia rides a 2007 Harley-Davidson Electra Classic that looks good enough on its own. But he added some Christmas flair again Sunday by outfitting it with a big pair of plush antlers, turning his ride into a reindeer on wheels. “I use the antlers every year, in al l the toy runs,” he said. Warner has ridden in the Toys for Tots ride since he started riding seven or eight years ago. He brought a load of six toys and said doing it’s a no-brainer, even in chilly weather, he said. “It’s all for the youngins,” he said. “It don’t matter how cold it is. At least it ain’t raining. That’s the nice thing.”

Most unique helmet: Helmets are worn for safety. But that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Larry Star, 60, of Albemarle turned his into a shell of expression, covering the outside with stickers that peddled a variety of messages. They broadcasted sayings of all kinds, from “No smoking” to “Slippery when wet.” They allowed Star to let people know “I’m a real life fantasy” and “I love being me,” and that “If you remember the 60s and 70s, you weren’t there.” Star, a retired Charlotte firefighter, manned a 1995 Honda Gold Wing and has been riding motorcycles 30 years. He’s a father of four, with four grandchildren and twin grandbabies on the way. “I normally try to make it rain, sleet, snow, hail, whatever,” he said of participating in the toy run.

Most outlandish motorcycle: There were plenty of traditional cruising bikes and speed bikes on the scene Saturday. But the two most colorful and eye-catching belonged to Derek Jackson of Clover, S.C., and Jimmy Scruggs of Gastonia. The friends used full-body kits to turn their Harley-Davidsons into custom “street glide” bikes, with bright, candy-colored paint schemes and 30-inch front wheels featuring sparkling chrome rims. Scruggs’ ride was magenta, while Jackson’s was a unique blend of blue and purple. “We both get a lot of looks,” Jackson said. “They ride good.” Jackson said it was his first time doing the toy run. “Just trying to do a good deed,” he said.

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or twitter.com/GazetteMike.